Air Pollution High Throughout Israel

High pollution levels are plaguing much of Israel today. Pollution is expected to remain "very high" throughout the day, from Jerusalem to Ashdod, and south of that. It is expected to remain "high" in the rest of the country. The air quality should begin improving in the north and center in the evening hours.

On Tuesday, pollution levels are expected to remain very high in the southern Negev region and Eilat, while they will be at intermediate levels for much of the rest of the country.

​The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) is recommending that vulnerable populations in affected areas stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities. These populations include: those with heart and lung diseases, the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

The high air pollution is related to a deep depression over the eastern Mediterranean, which is causing strong southwest winds that are bringing dust from Sinai and Egypt into Israel.

The MoEP will continue to update the public as necessary.

Click for a map of current air quality levels (Hebrew only), updated daily at 9:00 and 14:00.